14 Best Bar Soaps for Women to Moisturize Dehydrated Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
Best Bar Soaps for Women to Moisturize Dehydrated Skin
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Gone are the days when body cleansers were just about cleaning and showering. They play an important role in self-care, skincare, and stress management. With so many options available at your beck and call, all you need are the best bar soaps for women. Rich in natural ingredients and aroma therapy, you need cleansers that balance your pH level without depriving your body of natural oils.  

According to Dana Murray, a licensed esthetician, “Bar Soaps for sensitive skin can be tricky due to differences in pH. Hence, people must check active key ingredients if they have a particular skin concern.” 

Apart from being eco-friendly, women’s soap bars hardly contain any preservatives and are free of parabens, and sulfates that give your skin a natural glow. Another great benefit of switching to soap bars is that it reaches parts of your body that a liquid soap can’t giving you the feeling of freshness. 

Based on our research, we’ve enlisted the best soap bars that will enrich your daily bathing experience and treat your skin with love.

14 Best Bar Soaps for Women

Nothing can be much better than using a natural bar soap with botanical ingredients like agave, coconut oil, peppermint, rosemary, etc., that suits all skin types. These ingredients not only exfoliate but also cleanse, moisturize, nourish and energize your skin so you look young and fresh all day long (1). Like body wash, this bar soap dish produces a good quantity of lather that glides on your skin smoothly. In addition, you can get a spa-like skin treatment at home with O Naturals bar soaps.

Pros
  • Organic
  • Decent fragrance
  • Ideal for hand, neck and face wash
  • 6-piece collection
  • Maintains skin's natural pH
Cons
  • Contains palm oil
  • Less sustainable
  • Expensive
  • Most Affordable

    Dove Beauty Bar Skin Cleanser

     Dove Beauty Bar Skin Cleanser
  • Dove Beauty Bar is one of the most affordable soaps we've listed here. Formulated with 1/4 moisturizing cream, this bar is dermatologically tested, and is gentle on the skin. Unlike your ordinary soap, this product won't dry your skin and locks moisture. It comes with ingredients like vanilla and shea butter that not only smell pleasant but nourish your skin deeply. Shea butter exhibits anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties that make it the right fit for being used as a key component (2). 

    Pros
    • For sensitive and dry skin types
    • Hydrates skin
    • Cruelty-free PETA certified
    • Full body soap
    Cons
    • Inconvenient packaging
  • Best for Hygiene

    Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Soap

    Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Soap
  • Cetaphil Cleansing Bar is among the best bar soap for women's hygiene when it comes to women's healthcare and wellness. This paraben-free bar soap is ideal for everyday use. When you're off from work, there’s a high chance that your makeup is pilling and the external pollutants have settled into the skin pores. The beauty of this product is that it eliminates oil and impurities without drying your skin. Just wet this bar of soap, make some lather on your palms, and apply it on your face gently. Wash it with cold water, and you'll get clean and refreshed skin. Furthermore, it's for all skin types and boosts skin rejuvenation.

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Doesn't irritate the skin
    • Natural
    • 24-moisture lock
    • Lathers quickly
    • Suitable for hypoallergic
    Cons
    • Ordinary packaging
  • Anti-inflammatory

    Aspen Kay Naturals Turmeric Soap Bar

    Aspen Kay Naturals Turmeric Soap Bar
  • For ages, we've been using turmeric in our skincare routine. Surprisingly, it's not just limited to treating colds and coughs but works as a wonderful remedy for skin problems too (3). This bar contains 100% pure turmeric root extract that battles acne and lightens complexion. With regular use, the product fades blemishes to evenly tone your skin by boosting microcirculation. Also, shea butter and extra virgin olive oil help fight free radicals and regenerate new skin cells. Interestingly, it’s suitable for all skin types.

    Pros
    • Anti-oxidants
    • Anti-inflammation
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gentle on the skin
    Cons
    • Causes breakouts if used excessively
    • Not for allergic folks
  • Anti-aging Blend

    Yardley Bar Soap

    Yardley Bar Soap
  • We are all aware of this brand as some of our favorite celebrities endorse it. This 4.25 oz moisturizing bar is composed of lavender which boasts anti-bacterial effects and cleanses the skin thoroughly. Moreover, lavender is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores which may lead to acne. These legendary botanical and natural ingredients soften skin and manage conditions like eczema (4). The beautifully scented bar boosts your mood besides refreshing your skin. It's one of the best bar soaps for women which provides effective results at a low price.

    Pros
    • Detoxifies skin
    • Heals damaged cells
    • Anti-aging superstar
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Causes itching to allergic individuals
  • Vegan

    Crate 61 Organics Natural Bar Soap

     Crate 61 Organics Natural Bar Soap
  • Available in 6 natural scents, this pack of soaps is vegan and clinically tested. Encrafted with the goodness of nature, the product creates a bubbly lather that purifies and moisturizes your skin. What sets this product apart is that it's made of cold-pressed oils that prevent dryness and flakiness. Even on days when you’re craving to go to the spa, all you need to use is this organic soap. This is a great option for those who love the fragrance of grapefruit, eucalyptus, avocado, mint and lemongrass. 

    Pros
    • Pleasant smelling
    • For all skin types
    • Biodegradable packaging
    Cons
    • Has palm oil
    • A bit costly
  • For Sensitive Skin

    Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap

    Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
  • This soap is specially designed for sensitive skin types. Infused with chamomile and aloe vera, this ultra-pure formula leaves the skin clean, comfortable, and calm. Using chamomile brings powerful anti-oxidant advantages such as tightening skin pores and slowing aging (5). Also, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation due to which it's sometimes considered a "natural skin bleach." While aloe vera has cooling properties that lull the skin to comfort. Additionally, it lathers and rinses off effortlessly. It's amongst the best bar soaps for women's body, if you’re searching for a full-body natural cleanser.

    Pros
    • No harsh ingredients
    • Suitable for full body wash
    • Unique packaging
    Cons
    • May cause irritation
    • Small size
  • Best for Dry and Aging Skin

    L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE SHEA LAVENDER EXTRA-GENTLE SOAP

    L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE SHEA LAVENDER EXTRA-GENTLE SOAP
  • Experience the pampering feel of mother nature's embrace with this body soap for women from L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE. It is a luxurious indulgence that’s suitable for all skin types as it gently cleanses the epidermal layers of the skin without depriving it of its natural oils. Moreover, it helps prevent the skin by combating dryness and flakiness, enhancing the existing hydration levels. Furthermore, it protects the skin against bacterial infections while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Lastly, it is available in a delicate and flowery lavender scent to provide a pleasant bathing experience. 

    Pros
    • Locks in moisture
    • Soothes irritated skin
    • Vegan
    • Prevents flakiness
    Cons
    • Requires careful storage
  • Best for Skin Prone to Itching

    BEEKMAN 1802 HONEY & OATS SCRUB BAR

    BEEKMAN 1802 HONEY & OATS SCRUB BAR
  • Cleanse, soften, pamper, and nourish your skin with the Beekman’s scrub bar for women. This product is a suitable pick for sensitive skin as it is rich in lactic acid that gently exfoliates, without causing redness, itchiness, or allergies. Moreover, it reduces the visible signs of irritation like itching and bumpy skin while also reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it features the delicate scent of honey blossoms and apricots that isn’t too overpowering. Lastly, it helps to regulate the skin’s natural PH and thus helps maintain a healthy microbiome. 

    Pros
    • Great for prematurely aging skin
    • Lathers well
    • Clarifies uneven complexion
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • The fragrance fades away after a few weeks.
  • NATURAL AMERICAN GODDESS Women’s Bar Soap

     NATURAL AMERICAN GODDESS Women’s Bar Soap
  • Elegantly shrink-packed with a sleek design, this handcrafted soap bar is perfect for feeling like a woman. Unlike traditional bars that smell like flowers, this bar has feminine scents and smells more like a luxury perfume. This best-smelling bar soap for women is your good-to-go partner if you need an aromatherapy-like experience at home. Made of essential oils, charcoal, shea butter, ground oatmeal, lye, and sea salt, this pack of 6 bars prevents dryness. What's more, is that the product keeps your skin intact and revitalizes it with no residue.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Has premium quality ingredients
    • Vegan
    • No GMO
    Cons
    • Less economical
  • Olivia Care Bar Soap

    Olivia Care Bar Soap
  • This piece by Olivia Care is triple milled which ensures its durability. It comes in a set of 4 infused with vitamins and calcium appropriate for all skin types, even those with acne-prone skin. It has an authentic fragrance of a classic French perfume that might stay long on your body. Even if you don't like the strong smell of lavender, you can pick any one from the other options; Green Tea, Mandarin & Verbena. Crafted with love, the product forms a hydrating lather to quench your skin's thirst and nourish it with essential nutrients.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting smell
    • Paraben and phthalates-free
    • Enriched with therapeutic essential oils
    Cons
    • Irritating if used immensely
  • Handmade Bar Soap

    Rachelle Parker Natural Handmade Soap Bars

     Rachelle Parker Natural Handmade Soap Bars
  • No conventional bar can beat the benefits of a natural handmade soap. Our regular soaps are heavily infused with chemicals, but this one Rachelle Parker is botanical with less sodium sulfate proportions. Having multiple fragrances from peppermint to lemongrass, this soap set deserves a place in your bathroom. It's suitable for all ages, no matter if you're a teenager or a middle-aged woman, you can still try it. Moreover, it's a good-to-go gifting product that is perfect for anyone on any occasion like a baby shower, wedding, or even Mother's Day. 

    Pros
    • Unique essential oil blend
    • Decent smell
    • Hypoallergenic (safe for all)
    • Mood booster
    • Heals chapped skin
    Cons
    • Small percentages of sodium sulfate
  • Bali Soap - Feminine Collection Natural Soap Bar

    Bali Soap - Feminine Collection Natural Soap Bar
  • Besides being a popular traveling destination, Bali is also known for its herbal beauty products. This exotic Bali Soap is manufactured using botanicals picked from the Indonesian archipelago. Embraced with natural glycerin, the 3.5 oz bar deeply exfoliates your skin. Glycerin acts as a humectant, and retains your skin's natural oils and moisture. It's also an emollient that softens the skin. The soap has no harsh chemicals and cleanses your body smoothly. Drawing from our experience, the product seems reliable and valuable. 

    Pros
    • Ultra-nourishing lather
    • No artificial colorants
    • Luxuriant soaps
    • 6 timeless fragrances
    Cons
    • Some may not like the scent
    • Slightly price sensitive
  • Wavertree & London English Rose Soap Bar

    Wavertree & London English Rose Soap Bar
  • It's a super sophisticated and classy rose bar with very good packaging. This full-body cleanser is infused with euphoric scents of tuberose, carnation, and rose geranium accompanied by shea butter that naturally holds moisture and smoothens your skin. The product is triple-milled to pull out dirt and impurities from your skin pores. The rose blend is vegan and hypoallergenic which makes it one of the best soap options for all skin types. Prepare yourself for a relaxing shower experience with Wavertree & London's soap bar.

    Pros
    • Creamy lather
    • No SLS, HEDP, or EDTA
    • Balances pH
    Cons
    • Small size
    • Less longevity

    Based on our observation and experience, we've shared some of the best bar soaps for women. Now it's your turn to experience the lather and fragrances that turn your shower experience into a luxe spa evening.

    How to Choose the Best Bar Soap for Women?

    Most of us have used bar soaps at once in our life. And why not, they've been a popular choice for cleansing since ancient times. However, the bar soaps we see today are not the same as earlier. They now come with different ingredients, colors, scents, and textures. So, to avoid confusion, here's what you need to understand before buying one; 

    • Know your skin type

    You need to know your skin type to have the best pick for yourself. A wrong bar soap may cause allergic reactions such as itching, dryness or redness. So you need to be careful. 

    • Get a multi-purpose soap 

    Bar soaps have robust cleansing aptness and may work well on your body. Interestingly, you can use the same soap on your face without being worried about dryness. However, make sure that the soap is gentle and non-irritating. Stop using it and visit your doctor if you experience any side-effects. 

    • Read ingredients 

    Just be clear about the ingredients in your head. You may prefer traditional handcrafted soaps if you like vegan and natural skincare products. However, not all of those bars are vegan and natural. So double-check the ingredients. Speaking of the ingredients to avoid in bar soaps, our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, shares, “Ingredients to avoid in bar soaps include sulfates, parabens, triclosan, artificial fragrances, and dyes. These can be harsh and drying to the skin, and some may have potential health risks.”

    • Customer experience 

    As a general rule of shopping, you should go through the customer reviews to know more about the product instead of making rash decisions. 

    Tips for Using Bar Soap

    Here are easy and simple tips to use bar soaps effectively - 

    1. Rinse your body with lukewarm water to loosen any dirt or oil while taking a shower. 

    2. Lather the soap on your entire body, even hard-to-reach intimate areas. 

    3. Rub well using a loofah or cloth or soap mitt. 

    4. Rinse thoroughly and wash your loofah or mitt to make sure its clean for next use. 

    5. Tada! You are done!

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    Conclusion

    For many of us, bar soaps are still the most convenient option for body detoxification. They come in handy and are easily available. However, the point is that with too many varieties in the market, it's burdensome to shop for the best soap bars for women. But if you know what things to look for before choosing one, you might discover the better piece. This includes factors determining your purchase, such as your skin type, ingredients, and customer feedback. With our carefully curated list, you’re all ready to shop for the best option for a good skin day. Note, that the O Naturals 100% Natural Bar Soap suits all skin types and is our editor’s favotire. Tell us which one is yours in the comments section below.

    FAQ's

    What is the best bar soap for sensitive skin?
    The Dove Beauty Bar Skin Cleanser is the best bar soap for sensitive skin types.
    What is the healthiest bar soap for women?
    The O Naturals 100% Natural Bar Soap is the healthiest bar soap for women.
    What is the best bar soap for taking a shower?
    The Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Soap is the best bar soap for taking a shower, for all skin types.
    What are the benefits of using natural bar soap for women?
    Natural bar soaps are highly beneficial for women, as they don’t strip their skin of natural oils and moisturize it thoroughly, making it softer, shinier, and youthful-looking. Also, they suit all skin types and don’t contain any harmful chemicals.
    Can bar soap be used on the face as well as the body?
    No, you shouldn’t use the same soap on your face as well as your body. The soaps made for body use can irritate your facial skin, making it dry and dehydrated.
    Can bar soap help with acne or breakouts?
    Yes. The Aspen Kay Naturals Turmeric Soap Bar can help with acne or breakouts.
    Are scented bar soaps safe to use?
    No, scented bar soap is not safe to use. They can cause irritation on your skin, strip off its natural oils, and make it dry and dull.
    How often should I replace my bar soap?
    You should replace your bar soap every month.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, the author is a certified skincare coach and professional. She pays keen attention into what ingredients and products are being used to get a natural, glowing skin. So here, Anoushka has penned a list of the best bar soaps for you to use. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. Nutraceutical Properties of Medicago sativa L., Agave spp., Zea mays L. and Avena sativa L.: A Review of Metabolites and Mechanisms

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9503698/

    2. Chemical characterization of shea butter oil soap (Butyrospermum parkii G. Don)

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321213768_Chemical_characterization_of_shea_butter_oil_soap_Butyrospermum_parkii_G_Don

    3. Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27213821/

    4. Evaluation of massage with essential oils on childhood atopic eczema

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12360880_Evaluation_of_massage_with_essential_oils_on_childhood_atopic_eczema

    5. Topical effects of Chamomilla Recutita in skin damage: A literature review

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289263589_Topical_effects_of_Chamomilla_Recutita_in_skin_damage_A_literature_review

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More